Chemical Name: Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether
Synonyms: 2-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol, Methyl tetraethylene glycol ether
CAS Number: 1559-34-8
Recommended Use: Solvent in coatings, cleaners, and inks; intermediate for chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Details: Name, address, and emergency contact numbers kept close to the site of use for quick access in emergencies
Emergency Telephone: Provided on container label and in-house safety data system
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 3), Specific organ toxicity (single exposure, Category 3)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol for irritant
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation and mild skin irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes and skin; wear suitable PPE; provide adequate ventilation
Other Hazards: Contact with hot materials or open flame increases vapor risk; spilled material creates slippery surfaces
Chemical Identity: Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether
Content: 98-100%
CAS Number: 1559-34-8
Impurities: Ethylene oxide and diethylene glycol compounds in trace amounts (typically <1%)
Inhalation: Remove subject to fresh air, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical advice for persistent discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water for several minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to ensure thorough flushing, consult physician promptly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice immediately
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water streams which may spread the liquid
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde emitted upon burning
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus; full turnout gear recommended
Firefighting Instructions: Evacuate area, contain run-off, use non-sparking tools, keep containers cooled with water spray
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area around spill, wear gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent liquid from entering drains, waterways, or soil
Methods for Containment: Dike spilled product with inert material such as sand, collect for disposal in tight containers
Clean-up Procedures: Ventilate area, avoid breathing vapors, clean spill with absorbent material, dispose materials in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid splashes, do not breathe vapors or fumes, practice good hygiene after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers made of compatible materials (stainless steel or polyethylene), keep out of direct sunlight, away from heat, ignition sources, strong acids or oxidizers
Other Precautions: Proper labeling on all containers, keep separate from food and drink, maintain inventory and usage logs
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not specifically established; handle in accordance with general good industrial hygiene practices
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize vapor build-up
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, lab coat or chemical apron, suitable respiratory protection if airborne concentration poses risk
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly, launder prior to reuse
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, ether-like
Odor Threshold: Not specifically measured, minimal strong odor
pH: Approximately neutral (6-8, undiluted)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: About -36°C
Boiling Point: Around 325°C
Flash Point: 154°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Low
Flammability: Slightly flammable at elevated temperature
Vapor Pressure: Less than 0.01 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air (estimated 7, air=1)
Relative Density: ~1.08 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Kow: -0.46 (high water solubility)
Auto-ignition Temperature: About 380°C
Decomposition Temperature: May begin to decompose above 320°C, releasing toxic fumes
Viscosity: Moderate viscosity, 7-10 mPa.s at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts strongly with oxidizing agents, may form explosive peroxides on contact with air
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flame, prolonged exposure to air (peroxide formation risk)
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, alkali metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde possible if burnt or overheated
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 5,700 mg/kg (moderate toxicity); inhalation LC50: not well-defined; skin LD50 (rabbit): >2,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause mild irritation after prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Eye contact produces pain, redness, or watering
Respiratory Effects: Vapors may cause throat irritation or coughing
Chronic Effects: Prolonged/repeated exposure may lead to dermatitis or upper respiratory irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive/Developmental Toxicity: No known significant reproductive hazard evidence in available animal studies
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life; LC50 (fish, 96 hr): >1,000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to biodegrade readily, does not persist in soil or water for extended periods
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; low potential for accumulation in aquatic organisms (log Kow below zero)
Mobility in Soil: Very mobile, migrates readily through soil to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases may contribute to oxygen depletion in water, encourage microbial blooms
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose through a licensed chemical waste contractor; do not pour down drain, landfill, or mix with household waste
Container Disposal: Empty drums or bottles should be drained completely and triple rinsed, recycled where possible
Local Regulations: Follow national and local environmental protection regulations for hazardous waste disposal
Precautions: Wear appropriate PPE during disposal, ensure NO release to surface waters, storm drains or land
UN Number: Not regulated by DOT, IMDG, ICAO/IATA under most circumstances
Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable for routine ground, air, or sea transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Secure tightly sealed containers; prevent shifting or leakage during movement
TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH Registration: Registered in the EU under REACH
OSHA Hazards: Classified as an irritant
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2B (Toxic material causing other chronic effects)
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Acute health hazard
California Proposition 65: No components require disclosure
Other National Inventories: Check country-specific requirements (Australia AICS, Japan ENCS, China IECSC listed)
